Team India speedster Jasprit Bumrah has recently opened up on Virat Kohli’s decision to quit the Test captaincy. He said that Kohli has informed his teammates in a team meeting and everyone respected his decision too. Notably, Kohli has stepped down as India’s Test captain a day after India’s defeat to South Africa in the third Test in Cape Town.
He took over the reins in December 2014 from MS Dhoni. He finished as India’s most successful Test captain, winning 40 and losing 17 from 68 Tests that he led the team in as well.
“See, I am not here to give a judgment on Virat’s decision to leave the Test captaincy. It is a personal decision, we respect his decision. He knows how his body is reacting and what frame of mind he is in. I respect that, it has been an immense pleasure to play under Virat Kohli, I made my Test debut under him. He brings a lot of energy to the side. He will always be a leader in the group and his contribution has always been immense,” Bumrah said during a virtual press conference.
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When he was asked about when the Team India members got to know about his decision, Jasprit Bumrah said that they got to know in the team meeting.
He stated: “We are close as a team unit, we got to know about his decision in a team meeting that he will stand down as the Test captain. We respect his decision, we value his leadership. We congratulated him for what he achieved as a leader of this side.”
“Virat has been the leader of our team, he is energy-driven and he has brought a lot of change to Indian cricket. Everybody got fitter in the team, his contribution has been immense. He is a very important player in the group, his assistance, and knowledge of the game would always be used by the team. He will add inputs and suggestions, we all look up to him,” Bumrah further added.
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“See, I cannot speak for everyone, but for me, I can say it does not make that of a difference. We all are here to help in whatever way we can, and that is how everyone is responding to the changes. We understand how the process is going, change is the only constant. I do not think anybody is facing a problem or is in a weird space with the change that is taking place. Everyone in the team is quite positive and eager to contribute,” Jasprit Bumrah concluded.
India and South Africa will now play in a three-match ODI series, with the first match taking place on Wednesday in Paarl.
